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Family Abuse and Neglect: A Case‐based Ethics Model
Author(s) -
Tilden Virginia P.,
Schmidt Terri A.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
academic emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.221
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1553-2712
pISSN - 1069-6563
DOI - 10.1111/j.1553-2712.1994.tb02551.x
Subject(s) - medicine , neglect , medical emergency , psychiatry , family medicine
The ethical dilemma of caring for the patient from a multiproblem family with suspected domestic violence is discussed. An ethical decision making model that organizes patient data and encourages systematic analysis of the case is reviewed to address the responsibility of the emergency physician to intervene and the options available. The analysis explores specific issues related to mandatory reporting laws, discretionary reporting, and factors to be weighed in deciding the best action for protecting various members within a family when abuse is known or suspected.